Wilhelm Wagenfeld created one of the most iconic lamps of the 20th century, which is known as the Bauhaus Lamp or Wagenfeld Lamp. Today, we want to take a closer look at the creator and this stylish, yet surprisingly simple lamp.

Wilhelm Wagenfeld

Wilhelm Wagenfeld was born in 1900 in Bremen. Having completed an apprenticeship with the silver manufacturer, Koch & Bergfeld, he attended die Hanauer Zeichenakademie before he was accepted as a Silversmith apprentice at the Bauhaus in Weimar, Germany. Interestingly, he did not have any formal training in electrics when he designed the Wagenfeld WA24.

Wagenfeld Lamp WA 24

The famous Bauhaus lamp was designed in 1924 with the help of Karl J. Jucker. At the time, Wagenfeld was a student of László Moholy-Nagy who ran the Bauhaus metal workshop.

Form, Function & Material

The Wagenfeld Lamp probably became so famous because it so thoroughly fulfilled all Bauhaus requirements in terms of function, form and material. The glass shade and metal parts create an interesting contrast, but they go together very well. Every part of the lamp has a purpose and is functional and not just decorative. It produces a very pleasing light that creates a wonderful light ambiance, so long you steer clear of fluorescent light bulbs.

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Originally, only 50 Wagenfeld lamps were made and at the time, the design was simple to the point of being revolutionary. However, this also meant that it was far too modern for most people’s tastes at the time.

Wagenfeld Lamp WG 24

Designed in the same year, the Wagenfeld Lamp WG 24 is very similar to the WA24, with the exception that it featured a base made of glass rather than chromed metal.

Bauhaus Lamp Copies

Obviously, there are a number of copies available today. Ever since the 1980’s, the company, Tecnolumen, has owned the exclusive license for the WG 24 and WA 24 designs. Their reproductions are based on original lamps and original drawings. So, if you want to go for the authentic look, you have to invest 425 €, otherwise you may find similar Bauhaus lamps from Italian manufacturers for about half of that.

In the following, we would like to present you with a video about this very Wagenfeld lamp.

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